Heirloom "Amish Paste" tomatoes.
One of the great garden wonders about the United States of America is the eclectic mix of styles
we can see throughout the 50 states and the District of Columbia. If you include the several territories we possess in the Caribbean and Pacific, the range of diversity is even greater.
When I talk about garden styles, I’m not describing the vast and wonderful natural areas (such as seen in our National Parks). I’m referring to the things humans have introduced from their native lands.
Few of us can search our genealogical background and find we are descended from Native American linage. For the rest of us when our ancestors emigrated here, most brought seeds from home and that style of gardening.
Coupled with ancestral garden styles was the immediate need to establish gardens and crops to sustain the pilgrims through the first harsh years. Successful pioneers made sure that among their few possessions was a cache of seeds. Some even carried a few flower seeds tucked in a handkerchief or fold of paper.
This is why America has such a diverse mix of beautiful garden plants and styles. Once an area was settled, importers would start bringing seeds and occasionally plants from the far corners of the world. Seldom were these embraced until there was a measure of affluence in the society. Without affluence, necessity usually meant all energy, resources and time was used for the production of food stuffs.
Even the food products reflect the origins of our pioneer families. We often see pockets of ethic food being sold at farmer’s markets which reflect the regional ancestry. Mixed with the grain introduced to immigrants by the Native Americans, these ancestral food products have been kept alive by our desire to have a “little taste of home.” This desire has been passed down through the generations.
Even many renown garden designers, landscapers, architects show a definite leaning towards their own ancestry. This is why we see many large public gardens fashioned after ones in other countries.
Examples are many but a few garden styles are:
· Japanese: Minimalistic, structured for serenity & balance.
· Victorian: From the Queen Victoria era in the UK; eclectic and full.
· Edwardian: From King Edward’s reign in the UK; over-the-top opulence.
· Cottage: Another UK design, fenced & full.
· Swedish/French: Broomcorn, Baroque design, & water gardens
· German/Swiss: Amish tomatoes, & park-like design with structure & domestic animals
· Irish: Potatoes, stone gardens & fences
While it’s beneficial and beautiful to include many native plants in your gardens, it’s also fun to include plants and designs from your nation of origin. Be it simply for ornamental purposes or to include some of the foodstuff that represents your heritage.
Chances are if you live in an area which includes pockets of your own ethnic group you will easily find examples. If not, scope out catalogs and on- line sources. I’ve managed to find okra and collard plants locally for my husband’s southern-raised enjoyment. For myself, I’ve raised the Amish tomato, great for canned tomato sauce and paste.
I must wonder if Carl Boberg wasn’t thinking of his native Sweden, it plants and flora when he wrote this song. As did my ancestors, I marvel along with Boberg at the beauty and bounty of that which I am blessed.
we can see throughout the 50 states and the District of Columbia. If you include the several territories we possess in the Caribbean and Pacific, the range of diversity is even greater.
When I talk about garden styles, I’m not describing the vast and wonderful natural areas (such as seen in our National Parks). I’m referring to the things humans have introduced from their native lands.
Few of us can search our genealogical background and find we are descended from Native American linage. For the rest of us when our ancestors emigrated here, most brought seeds from home and that style of gardening.
Coupled with ancestral garden styles was the immediate need to establish gardens and crops to sustain the pilgrims through the first harsh years. Successful pioneers made sure that among their few possessions was a cache of seeds. Some even carried a few flower seeds tucked in a handkerchief or fold of paper.
This is why America has such a diverse mix of beautiful garden plants and styles. Once an area was settled, importers would start bringing seeds and occasionally plants from the far corners of the world. Seldom were these embraced until there was a measure of affluence in the society. Without affluence, necessity usually meant all energy, resources and time was used for the production of food stuffs.
Even the food products reflect the origins of our pioneer families. We often see pockets of ethic food being sold at farmer’s markets which reflect the regional ancestry. Mixed with the grain introduced to immigrants by the Native Americans, these ancestral food products have been kept alive by our desire to have a “little taste of home.” This desire has been passed down through the generations.
Even many renown garden designers, landscapers, architects show a definite leaning towards their own ancestry. This is why we see many large public gardens fashioned after ones in other countries.
Examples are many but a few garden styles are:
· Japanese: Minimalistic, structured for serenity & balance.
· Victorian: From the Queen Victoria era in the UK; eclectic and full.
· Edwardian: From King Edward’s reign in the UK; over-the-top opulence.
· Cottage: Another UK design, fenced & full.
· Swedish/French: Broomcorn, Baroque design, & water gardens
· German/Swiss: Amish tomatoes, & park-like design with structure & domestic animals
· Irish: Potatoes, stone gardens & fences
While it’s beneficial and beautiful to include many native plants in your gardens, it’s also fun to include plants and designs from your nation of origin. Be it simply for ornamental purposes or to include some of the foodstuff that represents your heritage.
Chances are if you live in an area which includes pockets of your own ethnic group you will easily find examples. If not, scope out catalogs and on- line sources. I’ve managed to find okra and collard plants locally for my husband’s southern-raised enjoyment. For myself, I’ve raised the Amish tomato, great for canned tomato sauce and paste.
I must wonder if Carl Boberg wasn’t thinking of his native Sweden, it plants and flora when he wrote this song. As did my ancestors, I marvel along with Boberg at the beauty and bounty of that which I am blessed.
“When thru the woods and forest glades I wander And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees, When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze,
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee;
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!”
- Carl Gustav Boberg “How Great Thou Art” 1885 Swedish Hymn
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